| Look-alikes of their Dyckia cousins, these too are unusually hardy, desert-loving Bromeliads. The stiff, curving, gray or red-brown leaves, often with toothed or serrated edges, form a short-stemmed or stemless rosette. They need more space than Dyckias, but still reach only 1½ to 2 feet wide, manageable for containers. The flower stalk angles sideways with a branching cluster of modest green to yellow blossoms. Plant in well-drained sandy soil. Water moderately from spring to fall, then hold back, but do not let the soil completely dry out in winter. Some may tolerate brief light frost, but they are best in frost-free areas. Need repotting only every few years. Grow more from seed or offsets. |
Spiny leaves reach 2 inches wide and nearly 3 feet long, with scaly undersides and smooth surfaces. Fuzzy white buds dangle from a 6-foot flower stalk. In bloom, dark veins on the transparent bracts give the blossoms a brownish hue.
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Attributes - Hechtia texensis
Plant Type: Succulent
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Mid Summer
Flower Color: White
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 1 ft. 6 in. to 2 ft. 6 in.
Width: 3 ft. 6 in.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 9, 10, 11
Notes: Thrives in Dry Climates. Container Plants, Drought Tolerant, Showy Flowers.
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